Medical Lab Technician
Perform diagnostic tests that help physicians detect and treat diseases
About the profession
Medical Laboratory Technicians perform the tests that drive 70% of medical decisions. From blood work to microbiology cultures, MLTs analyze specimens that detect infections, cancer, diabetes, and countless other conditions. The work is methodical and precise, offering stable employment in hospitals, reference labs, and research facilities.
How to Get Started
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Jump to Learning Path →Personality Fit
Based on the Medical Lab Technician role, here are the RIASEC personality types that tend to thrive in this career. While these alignments are common, individual success depends on motivation, skill development, and finding the right work environment.
Realistic
Hands-on, practical, technical work
Investigative
Research, analysis, problem-solving
Conventional
Organizing, detail-oriented, structured
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Career Path
Your career progression roadmap with salary growth at each level
Career Ladder
Lab Assistant → Medical Lab Technician → Senior Lab Technician → Lab Supervisor → Lab Director
Where are you on this career path?
Click a level below to set your current position
Salary Growth
5
Levels
$110K
Top Salary
15+
Years
Learning Path
Skills you need to develop and courses to get there
🚀
Set your current level first
Go to the Career Path tab and select your current level to see your personalized learning plan.
Go to Career PathCareer levels
Timeline: 0-2 years | Entry Base: $35,000 - $42,000/year Prepare specimens and maintain lab equipment Perform basic testing procedures under supervision Follow quality control and…
Skills used in this career
Click any skill to see how to learn it and what salary boost it gives
Learning Path 0 → Junior
Step-by-step plan from zero to first job
Earn associate or bachelor's degree in medical laboratory technology Obtain ASCP or AMT certification Gain clinical experience through hospital rotations Pursue specialty…
Market 2026–2030
Trends, AI impact, prospects
Growth Rate: Average through 2030 Remote Trend: Stable, laboratory presence required Top Industries: Hospitals, reference labs, public health departments Geographic Hotspots:…
💰 Pay for Chemical Technicians
BLS OEWS, May 2023The federal survey does not count this job title on its own — it is counted under Chemical Technicians (19-4031).
Half of U.S. workers in this occupation earn more than this, half earn less.
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Related Reading
Related Holland / RIASEC Types